Schutt Reconditioning Signs Lease and Saves Jobs

Easton, Pa. – Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 – Easton-based Schutt Reconditioning announced in a press conference today that it has renewed a multi-year lease at its facility. The 125 to 200 full-time and part-time employees will keep their jobs.

Until today, the future of Schutt Reconditioning – a division of America’s leading helmet maker Schutt Sports – was unclear to Schutt’s employees, dealers, competitors and community members. The company first opened its doors in Easton 80 years ago.

“It has been a difficult few years for all,” Pete Reinke, vice president of regional development for Lehigh Valley Economic Development Group said. “More than ever, we are grateful for the jobs and Schutt’s commitment to Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County and Palmer Township.”

“Schutt Reconditioning has served millions of athletes from around the country over the years and has been an important employer in Easton, as well as Lehigh Valley for nearly a century,” Glenn Beckmann, director of marketing communications for Schutt Sports said. “Despite the doomsayers in the industry, who said this team couldn’t pull off what they did, we’re here today to say: ‘They did it.’ Schutt Reconditioning will continue to serve hundreds of thousands of athletes across the USA each year and they will continue to do it from right here in Easton and Lehigh Valley.”

The conference was held at the Schutt Reconditioning facility at 2 p.m. ET. Media were invited to tour the building and conduct one-on-one interviews with the attending employees, company executives and local dignitaries.

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Schutt Reconditioning originally began as Circle Systems Group in 1931. Circle was purchased by Schutt Sports in 2005 and re-organized into Schutt Reconditioning in 2008. Schutt Reconditioning reconditions, or refurbishes, athletic equipment of all kinds, including football helmets, shoulder pads, track and field pads, wrestling mats, wrestling shoes, hockey equipment, lacrosse equipment, and much more. For a fraction of the cost of buying new equipment, the customers of Schutt Reconditioning get back like-new gear. It’s one of the largest reconditioners in the country and leads the industry in technological innovation. Schutt Reconditioning features the automated sanding and painting processes and greatly exceeds all of the standards required by the industry – including the testing of football helmets. As a matter of standard protocol, Schutt Reconditoning tests nearly twice as many helmets as required by the industry. Schutt Recon employs 150-200 full time and part time employees in the Easton area. It is the only major reconditioner that uses only American employees to do the work and not farm out work across the border.

Employee Profiles

Melissa Kram: Check-in and Teardown Supervisor

What is your role within Schutt Reconditioning? What are your daily and long-term responsibilities?I am responsible for supervising the check-in and tear-down of the helmets as the initial steps in the reconditioning process. I also oversee installation of decals and stripes on finished helmets as well as inventory control. During other periods of the year, I will assist other departments as needed.

How long have you worked for Schutt Reconditioning?14 years.

How did you end up at Schutt Reconditioning?I was working at a local General Motors Company and they moved their operation to Michigan. I wanted to live and work in Pennsylvania and was able to get a position here that enabled me to stay.

How does it make you feel that Schutt Reconditioning is here to stay?Thrilled and ecstatic. I was worried that if we closed, how was I going to pay my bills? Now that we are staying, the sleepless nights and worries are gone. I am happy for all the employees that work at Schutt and their families.

How do you feel about your future with Schutt Reconditioning and the future of the company itself?Being here for 14 years and going through everything with the former company (Circle Systems) and Schutt, it makes me feel good because we proved we are a great company here in Easton. We take pride in the work we do. So 14 years and I look forward to the next 6 at least – can’t wait for the next 20 years!

Fred Christopher: Production Team Leader

What is your role within Schutt Reconditioning? What are your daily and long-term responsibilities?I am a Production Team Leader, responsible for 5 sandblast machines and operators along with 12 buff & polish machines and operators. I oversee the wash area which forwards helmets to be painted and polished after they are sandblasted and buffed. I have a daily quota sheet which allows me to distribute work to all operators in a manner to meet delivery dates. During the fall, I also drive to deliver sports equipment to schools 2 times a week for 6-8 weeks.

How long have you worked for Schutt Reconditioning?5 years.

How did you end up at Schutt Reconditioning?I responded to an advertisement in the newspaper.

How does it make you feel that Schutt Reconditioning is here to stay?I enjoy the job security and work atmosphere that gives a good feeling and a purpose to push forward in a positive manner.

How do you feel about your future with Schutt Reconditioning and the future of the company itself?Schutt is recognized throughout the sports field locally and nationally. Working for a company with high visibility and being appreciated is a good feeling. The company in my view has a strong future and I enjoy being part of that team.